The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur, has called on African countries to strengthen cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture.
She urged the alignment of policies and increased investment across the continent to support sustainable growth in the sector.
Speaking at the 34th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa in Nouakchott, Mauritania, she said closer collaboration among African states would help shape the future of aquatic food systems and improve food security.
She noted that fisheries remain central to Ghana’s food system, providing about 60 per cent of animal protein consumed in the country.
She said that annual per capita consumption has been estimated at between 22 and 25 kilograms, highlighting the need to protect the sector.
The Minister outlined Ghana’s 10-year implementation plan, guided by a national Blue Economy Strategy.
“The framework covers marine, inland and wetland ecosystems and focuses on economic growth, environmental sustainability, knowledge, equity and security. Plans are also underway to establish a Blue Economy Commission and strengthen the legal and policy framework,” she noted.
She said reforms are being implemented to manage pressure on fish stocks, particularly in the artisanal sector, which contributes over 70 per cent of marine fish production.
“These include licensing, canoe registration, closed seasons and improved monitoring and surveillance systems. Legal provisions under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, and the declaration of Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area are also expected to support stock recovery,” she added.
On investment, she said stronger partnerships are needed to expand innovation and improve outcomes across the fisheries value chain.
She noted that post-harvest losses remain between 20 and 30 per cent in some areas, with efforts underway to improve processing, reduce waste and expand market access.
According to Mrs Arthur, aquaculture contributes more than 15 per cent of national fish production and would be expanded through community-based systems, with a focus on youth and women.
“Ghana is also taking steps to develop mariculture systems as part of efforts to increase production,” she stated.
She said while progress has been made, more work should be done to strengthen institutions and attract financing to scale up interventions across the sector.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
